How to get first class tickets using points?

Back in 2016, it was a lot easier to obtain first class tickets on American Airlines (AA) for a cheaper price. Since then, AA changed their award system and unfortunately it was disadvantageous for overseas trips. When I booked my round trip first class ticket with AA, it cost me $893 for taxes/fees and 125,000 miles. To be clear, when I say first class, most of the flights were first class such as San Diego (SD) to Phoenix (Phx), Phx to London and London back to SD. The rest were either Business Class or Economy as some small airlines in Europe didn’t offer first class service.

The only reason why it even cost as much as $893 with miles is because of British Airways (BA). BA is known for their expensive fuel charges (unbeknownst to me at the time of booking as I was still new to the points strategy) and especially if you fly through London. My travel tip is to avoid BA if you want to reduce your taxes/fees. For me, the cost was soooo worth it! I would do it all over again. To compare, the market value for my flight was about $17,000. It’s insane!

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what entails a first class flight on BA but here are some of my favorites:

First, Lounge access–On my way to London, I had no idea I can get access to the British Airways or their affiliate lounge. This would have been a great experience in Phoenix while I was waiting for my flight. Nonetheless, I took advantage of the Business class lounge in London on my way to Barcelona and the first class Concord Lounge in London on my way back to SD. OMG! the Concord Lounge has a restaurant, a full bar, shower and a spa where you can get a 30 min spa treatment for FREE! Love love love it!

Second, Boarding–You are the first group to board and deplane from the aircraft which is so advantageous. Less waiting time is great!

Third, Flat bed–Your chair can be extended into a bed and the flight attendant will set it up for you with a comforter, pillow and blanket.

Fourth, Television–The television screen is much larger and it’s so great to lay down and watch whatever movies you want.

Fifth, Menu–Wow! The food/beverage menu is insane. There are pages upon pages of food and beverages available at any time and it’s unlimited. You can get the expensive wine/champagne, chocolates, tea, as many as you want all night long. Yum!

Sixth, Pajamas–This may not be a plus for some people but you will get pajamas to wear if you chose to and toiletries such as lotion, moisturizer, eye cream, etc.

Seventh, Restricted restroom–There were about 14 first class seats available and the section has 2 restrooms for 14 people. Pretty amazing!

Lastly, Service–The service was impeccable. I was greeted immediately when I was looking for my seat and the stewardess knew me by name! Like she literally memorized my name before I even got there. I don’t think I’ve ever been treated that way in an airplane. It definitely made me feel special. haha

As you can see from the above, there are so many advantages of flying first class. I mean if we could all do it, we would, right? Unfortunately, the cost is so expensive but I’m thankful for having travel points. Also, the awards have changed and now the same trip cost about 170,000 AA points if you’re using the MileSAAver award on top of the taxes/fees for the same flight I took in 2016. Yes, that’s an extra 45,000 points.

Now I’m sure you’re asking, how do I even get 170,000 points? Earning points from purchases will probably take years unless you have significant purchases each year.

Fortunately, there are easier ways to get to those points. First, I suggest you open a couple of credit cards to get the bonus which is usually 50K to 60K AA points per card. I recommend getting the Citi American Airlines AAdvantage and Barclay AAdvantage Aviator Red World credit cards currently offering 60K points each. With these two cards, you will get a total of 120K points. Check the website as the bonus points could change at any point in time.

This leaves you with another 50K points to earn. If you get the Marriott Bonvoy credit card, currently it is offering 100K marriott points which can then be transferred to AA for about 38K points. The remaining points of approximately 12K points, you can get from transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott then to AA, buy points (if it’s cheap and with bonus), get another card that’ll transfer to AA and also earnings from credit card spend. You can do it!!!

Overall, getting roundtrip first class tickets especially for long haul flights using points is absolutely doable. From experience, it is so worth it. Go create a strategy and get those flights! Read my blog post on Best ways to fund your 2019 travels for more savings ideas.

Tell me about your first class experience below or how you’ve saved up for a dream vacation…please share!

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